Introduction
If your timing location will be in range of a reliable WiFi network, or you'd like to connect the controller to a WiFi hotspot through a non-GSM carrier, you can use the controller's built-in WiFi modem to connect it to the internet through WiFi. This guide will walk you through connecting your Pro2 to a WiFi network.
Because of the network structure of the Pro2, connecting a hotspot with a 172.20.23.1 IP address will cause interruption in communication with the readers. This is the common configuration for Hotspots you might currently use with your Pro and Mini controllers. There are two solutions to this problem:
- Change your Pro2 Netmask to 255.255.255.0 and make sure your hotspot's netmask is configured the same. This is the method we recommend if you intend to use the hotspot with your Pro2 and MiniTracks simultaneously/interchangeably. If you choose this method, please proceed through this guide starting at the Change the Controller Netmask section.
- Use the hotspot on its default IP values (not 172.20.23.1). This will allow the hotspot to assign the controller's WiFi modem an IP address that does not hinder reader communication. The downside to this method is that the hotspot cannot be used simultaneously with a Pro2 and a MiniTrack. If you choose this method, make any necessary changes on the hotspot, then proceed to the Add WiFi Connection step of this guide.
- Navigate to the Settings > Network Adapters screen.
- Tap the LAN adapter entry and press Edit.
- On the next screen, tap the Subnet Mask address to edit it.
- Use the on-screen keyboard to change the netmask to 255.255.255.0, then tap Save.
- Now, tap the Update button at the bottom of the screen.
- You'll see the message below appear as the settings are applied.
- When the message disappears, you can proceed with the instructions below.
- Make sure the router/hotspot is powered on and broadcasting the WiFi network.
- Now, from the Settings > Network Adapters screen, tap the WiFi adapter entry and press Edit.
- On the following screen, if the WiFi adapter isn't already powered on, tap the toggle to power it. Next, locate the router/hotspot WiFi network in the list on the left, tap it to highlight it, then press Connect.
- In the small window that appears, supply the password for the network by tapping inside the Password field and then using the on-screen keyboard. Press Save when you're done entering the password.
- Now, click Join in the pop-up window.
- The Status field should show "Connected" after about 10-30 seconds and the WiFi symbol in the bar at the top of the screen should no longer have a slash through it.
Add a Server Connection and Connect
- Now, the final step is to connect the controller to the ChronoTrack server. To do this, go to the Race Ops > Server Connection screen.
- You'll need to add a server option by pressing the + button under the server list frame.
- In the window that appears, select the WIFI type, then give the connection a Name, and then enter the primary ChronoTrack server IP address as shown below. Click Add when finished.
- Now, highlight the new Server Connection by tapping it, then press Connect. After a few moments, you should see the Status change to "Connected", and the cloud icon will no longer have a slash through it.
Every step in this guide up to this point only needs to be completed once. Each additional time you want to connect the controller to the internet with the SAME WiFi hotspot, you should only need to press connect on the WiFi Server connection. If you're using a different hotspot, you should follow the process from the Add a WiFi Connection step.
Your controller should now connected to the server. Please be aware that lots of WiFi hotspots have a finite amount of battery life, so if possible, connect the hotspot to the controller's USB ports for power so that it doesn't shut off before the race is over.
Now, you can stream data to your CT Live Event using Fusion, SimpleClient, or StreamManager